“Pray without ceasing.”  – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

Prayer is an expression of dependence on the Almighty God. When we pray, we invite God into our battles, decisions, struggles, relationships, families, ministries, and future. The victory may come through a changed circumstance, or it may come through a transformed heart and renewed strength. But whatever the situation, never underestimate the power of a praying believer.

Prayer gives us victory over temptation. Every believer faces temptation. Jesus Himself taught us to pray:

Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Prayer helps us remain spiritually alert. Instead of waiting until temptation becomes overwhelming, we can continually ask God for strength and wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God promises that He will provide a way of escape from temptation. Prayer helps us recognize and take that way of escape.

Also, prayer can bring divine intervention. The Bible contains many examples of people who prayed and experienced God’s intervention. A good example was Peter in Prison — Acts 12:5

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.”

The church prayed. God intervened. Peter was released. This teaches us that, what we cannot accomplish by human strength, we can place in God’s hands through prayer.

Prayer gives victory in impossible situations. In 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV), Jehoshaphat prayed: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” What a powerful prayer! He did not pretend to have all the answers. He admitted: “We don’t know what to do.”

But he knew where to look: “Our eyes are upon You.” Sometimes victory begins when we stop trying to solve everything ourselves and begin looking to God.

Again,  prayer and faith work together. Prayer should be accompanied by faith.

Mark 11:24 (NKJV)

“Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Faith does not mean forcing God to give us whatever we want. It means trusting God’s ability, goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness.

1 John 5:14 (NKJV)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Therefore, we pray with confidence while submitting to God’s will.

Prayer gives victory over spiritual oppositions. Believers also face spiritual opposition.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…”

Paul then tells believers to put on the whole armour of God.

Ephesians 6:18

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”

Prayer is part of our spiritual defense. We stand in Christ, hold firmly to God’s Word, and remain prayerful and spiritually alert.

Finally, persistent prayer leads to victory. One of the greatest lessons about prayer is persistence.

Luke 18:1 (NKJV)

“Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”

Sometimes the answer does not come immediately. Sometimes you have to keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep seeking God. Don’t allow delay to make you abandon prayer.

When you don’t know what to do—pray.

When you feel weak—pray.

When you are afraid—pray.

When the battle seems impossible—pray.

When the answer delays—keep praying.

When the victory comes—pray and give thanks.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16 (NKJV)

Reflection: If we can pray, what amazing and powerful experiences we’ll have.

Confession: I am strong in the place of prayer for I depend on the power of the Spirit to help me.

Related Scripture: Luke 18

Bible Reading: Exodus 35